The Bridge 1859

You'll find yourself in a beautifully restored Victorian pub that feels like it's been serving pints since the Famine - which it nearly has, dating back to 1859. The original features remain intact: ornate cornicing, rich wood panelling, and that particular Dublin pub atmosphere that can't be manufactured. Settle into one of the snugs with a proper pint of Guinness and watch Ballsbridge life unfold through the tall windows. The food here is several notches above your average pub fare - think gastropub meets neighbourhood local. The kitchen takes Irish classics seriously, and you'll pay a bit more than you would in Stoneybatter, but you're in Dublin 4 after all. Weekend evenings bring a lively crowd of locals and rugby heads, especially when Leinster are playing down the road.